A breath of real air

Posted on Mon Jul 29th, 2019 @ 8:42pm by Lieutenant Misaki Nakanabi

669 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Canary
Location: A few hours march from Haumea Colony
Timeline: MD -01

The scintillating whites and blues of the teleporter made way to a dark skinned woman wearing light grey insulated pants, dark blue mountain climbing boots and a bright red winter coat. The woman closed her eyes against the harsh sunlight, took in a deep breath of cold air and sighed, content. It had been a little over three years since she’d breathed non recycled air and it was grandiose.

Misaki had asked to be teleported on top of one of the closest mountains to the colony. It wasn’t all that high, nor was it very far away, but it would give her a good work out and a chance to get to know her new home in a proper manner. Besides, this was a lot better than any holodeck simulation. The woman opened her eyes, slipping on a beanie with the Starfleet Academy logo onto her bald head. Looking down, she peered her eyes at the harsh light and tried to spot the colony. She thought she could see the top of a few buildings from afar, unless they were really big rocks. Whichever was the case, she had to get going if she wanted to be on site before dusk.

The medical officer tightened the straps of her small backpack and started down what appeared to be an animal trail. She wondered how different the animals here would be from those on North Star. Her people shared many words with Earth English when it came to these things, but the actual animals didn’t always fit the same descriptions. Both had the same horses for example, but sheep though similar in function where very different in appearance on her world.

Her thoughts wandered from animals to vegetation to minerals as she encountered various local fauna and small geological wonders. Here and there she took a minute to observe what she could and enjoy her new environment. This simple joy of walking on uneven land and breathing real air, of hearing the world around her. It all just felt so good. So real.

Not long after midday she reached the bottom of the mountain. She opted to celebrate with lunch. Finding some shade under a small nearby tree that seemed to keep its leaves even through this cold and snow, she took the time to pick at some dried fruit and nuts she had brought along. Replicated of course, but perhaps now that she was planet bound, there would be more opportunities for fresh food. Foraging through her pack for a moment she replaced the canteen she’d been carrying on her hip with a full one.

Looking out towards the colony, Misaki nodded to herself. She estimated two, maybe three hours. She took some time to massage her calves and thighs humming an old tune to herself as she did. Her thoughts wandered for a moment to the one file she had checked up on before leaving. Captain Mahone looked like an interesting person. Doctors who turned to command had always fascinated her. She had been with some doctors who saw it as abandoning a sacred vocation. Misaki saw it as a change of gears. There were many ways to save lives. And in a sense, who better than someone who had spent years on an operating table to judge a situation’s criticalness? Then again, Misaki hadn’t liked most doctors she’d met, so perhaps not. It was a good thing Starfleet let captains come from all branches. Made for a varied view of things. Which was always best in her opinion.

With a small laugh to herself the doctor stood up and stretched a little. She’d lost herself in her thoughts again. To be fair, a good walk in the wilderness was exactly the place for this kind of thing. She shouldered her backpack and smiled. She had really needed this. She hadn’t felt this invigorated in a good while. Two hours. She nodded. She could do it in two.

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